“Buzz” About Philip Rivers
January 21st, 2020
Chatter gaining steam.
One NFL insider said “buzz” throughout league circles happens to be centered on a certain quarterback who just moved to Florida and the Bucs.
Yes, Chargers Pro Bowl quarterback Philip Rivers, a native of Alabama, recently moved his family from southern California, where residents are choked by state income taxes, to the sunny state of Florida with no state income tax.
Rivers, it has been reported, moved his family to Destin in the Panhandle.
Of course, some are trying to connect the dots that Rivers might be Tampa Bay bound as the Bucs seem in limbo as to what to do with their free agent quarterback, Mr. Entertaiment, America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston.
From the sources of heavy metal headbanging Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, it seems league types think there may be courting going on between Rivers, 38, and the Bucs.
Hearing a lot of buzz about Tampa as a possible landing spot for Philip Rivers. As reported back in late November, he and the Chargers were likely headed to a parting of the ways
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 20, 2020
Well, to Joe this “moving to Florida” narrative would suggest Rivers would do in Florida what he did in recent years after the Chargers moved to Los Angeles. Rivers commuted the two-hours-plus (one-way) trip daily from the San Diego region to the Chargers’ practice facility in the Los Angeles area and back home at night.
It’s unlikely if Rivers came to the Bucs he would continue that same practice. Destin is over a six-hour drive one-way to Tampa. It’s not like Rivers moved to Sarasota or Ocala.
That would be like living in Atlanta and driving to One Buc Palace and back each day. You’d have to be a mental patient to do that.
Just judging from La Canfora’s information, it seems NFL types have their antennae up over the chatter of Rivers maybe talking turkey with the Bucs.
January 21st, 2020 at 12:08 am
Signing Rivers and drafting your future starter may be the way to go.
It’s a better plan than paying 30+ Million to the Human Turnovers Machine and it would put fans back in the seats at Ray Jay
January 21st, 2020 at 12:11 am
“southern California where residents are choked by state income taxes”
That’s an understatement! Don’t forget the .48 paid per gallon on gasoline. Mello-Roos taxes on properties. Hell, there’s special cleaner burning furnaces that need to be installed in SoCal that cost over double of a regular furnace.
Yes, we SoCal ppl are idiots for voting for the same morons to run this already screwed up state
January 21st, 2020 at 12:19 am
Rivers isn’t much better than Winston regarding turnovers. that said: I would much rather pay him 30 mil than Winston. Winston is what he is, a turnover machine. In college and in the pros. Leopards don’t change their spots. Rivers would be a great 2 year starter while training someone to step in. He could bring a lot of leadership and knowledge to the building.
January 21st, 2020 at 12:19 am
The rumor is that the Rivers are staying at their family’s condo or summer home in Destin until he makes a deal with a team on the east coast… He and his wife thought it was time to move back closer to home which is north Alabama which also is about 6+ hours from Destin FL.
January 21st, 2020 at 12:21 am
Rivers wants to be close to Alabama.long term move. Nothing to do with Bucs. Like I said before. I’ll be shocked if Bucs move on from Winston. But if they do I’ll be happy with rivers.
I see rivers with colts.
January 21st, 2020 at 12:59 am
Bucsfan951
I voted against the gas tax. When it passed I’d never been so disheartened by an election. This state is going to the dogs. Homeless are taking over, dying on the streets. Housing is unaffordable. Jobs are scarce.
But, you know, at least we have good weather.
Rivers lived in SD, and I don’t blame him for commuting to LA. It’s disgusting, terrible place to raise your kids. Most of the players live in Orange County.
The stadium is filled with opposing team fans. The only person willing to commute to games in LA from SD was Rivers. The fans got screwed over. I feel awful for Charger fans.
Rivers would be an upgrade over Jameis. Maybe ten less picks and this team is in the playoffs. He’s never had weapons like the Bucs have. Give him a running game, and he might be the temporary fix we need.
January 21st, 2020 at 1:30 am
Madmax-
Here’s another example that the vast majority want Winston back next season. Other than JBF outlier poll all the other polls varied between 65-75% of fans wanted his return in 2020.
The Pewter Plank ran a poll on Twitter over the weekend and 72 percent of the voters said “yes” when asked if they wanted Winston to return.
January 21st, 2020 at 2:17 am
Draft a QB high please. No crazy trade stay put and draft best available.
January 21st, 2020 at 2:50 am
The rumor mill is a 2-way street. It helps both GM’s & player agents leverage messages when negotiating…JW3’s reported $30M/yr asking price & playing on a tag being unacceptabl, was one…Rivers being looked at as a bridge to Eason, is another.
Sounds to me like the FO is just using the rumor mill to let JW3’s agency know the Bucs Brass are prepared to move in different direction, before overpaying on an extension for Mr 30-30.
There’s a case to be made that the FO could sign an aging Vet bridge QB like Rivers & pay a 1st Rd draft pick, for Franchise Tag money or less… ($26.7M).
Rivers wants to keep starting & have a chance at getting a ring…TB is a viable option, when looking at the offensive weapons & improving DEF.
Signing River for $6-7M less than the TAG # would also help give the FO additional CAP flexibility to keep the Front-7 enact & look for a RT/RB upgrades in FA.
January 21st, 2020 at 3:05 am
something to think about:
if winston kinda holds out for this so called 30 mil per year thingy, he might just become the next erricht rhett type story…
well sorta…just a thought
January 21st, 2020 at 4:31 am
Catcard202 … Finally someone who makes sense out of this charade. Philip Rivers is an older, albeit more consistent version of Jameis Winston IMO, but with the same Market Value. Last year for instance he threw for about 500 yards LESS than Jameis on 35 FEWER passing attempts, producing 10 FEWER TDs but also 10 FEWER INTs. That’s actually a good tradeoff IMO (I don’t like turnovers), providing that our running game picks up some of the slack, that our defense starts & finishes strong for the season, and that the QB stays healthy.
But the scenario isn’t without its’ pitfalls:
1 – Historically QBs take a year to learn BA’s system (the dinosaur that it is … oops, sorry). Remember how the veteran Carson Palmer struggled his first year in Arizona? Well guess what, this’d be Rivers FIRST year in BA’s system also.
2 – Age is a factor here. Rivers is 38 years old; Jameis is 25. Jameis took a pounding last season … 47 sacks (average of 3 sacks/game … Hint: 5th MOST in the NFL). It seems that the nature of BA’s ‘Bombs Away’ offense is that his QBs get sacked more (not hard to figure out why though). Could the 38-year-old Rivers take that kind of pounding? (he’s not the most mobile QB in the world). A highly-paid starting QB on IR doesn’t do us much good.
3 – Money is a factor here also. BOTH have essentially the same Market Value (about $27 mil). So from a salary Cap perspective, there’s really little advantage in signing Rivers over franchise tagging Winston. Jameis might not like it, but he (and Rosenhaus) know that his FUTURE VALUE will depend on him improving in 2020.
Agree with catcard202 … this is just how the negotiations game is played. Rivers camp is using the Bucs as a pawn, and the Bucs are using him as a pawn. And in the meantime, the media gallery cheers.
January 21st, 2020 at 4:38 am
I would be more comfortable paying Rivers as a bridge than 30 mil to JW knowing in 5 years he hasnt changed.
With Rivers and drafting a qb at least there is a chance and hope,with JW its just” I have to get better”.
Lots of luck with that one
January 21st, 2020 at 4:38 am
We need to sign Winston, he is young and good Rivers is to old.
January 21st, 2020 at 5:00 am
rather keep jameis winston over this guy–too old, interception prone–probably expensive–just keep jameis ove r this
January 21st, 2020 at 5:49 am
Steve Spurrier, Dan Marino and Charlie Ward all live in Florida too.
January 21st, 2020 at 6:01 am
Stanglassman,
I saw that poll too. Interesting, I believe there were just 700 votes.
January 21st, 2020 at 6:28 am
It’s fun stuff to talk about but it’s all speculation.
Rivers is a more accurate, older version of Jameis. AND, if there’s a QB who’s more competitive, um check Rivers’ highlights. The dude is a well-known trash-talker!
Rivers ONLY makes sense if the Bucs intend to move on from Jameis and draft someone. Rivers is a capable QB with a good arm and an intense player on gameday.
From a financial standpoint, I don’t know if you gain anything with Rivers. Say what you want, but the guy has been competing at a high level for over a decade. It’s not like he’ll be “cheap”.
January 21st, 2020 at 6:30 am
The glaziers private jet woukd get him there and back pretty quickly. If they sign Rivers and let Jameis walk its pretty kuch guaranteed that they draft a qb
January 21st, 2020 at 6:38 am
Market value is deceptive……there aren’t many teams in a position to pay $26 mil for a 35 year old QB…….those needing a QB would draft one.
January 21st, 2020 at 6:57 am
Arians loves the deep ball and Rivers deep ball is DEAD. PASS
January 21st, 2020 at 7:24 am
Bucs fans: dumbest in the NFL. There is no way Rivers is coming to Tampa Bay…the Statue of Liberty behind THAT offensive line? Three steps back for the Buccaneers and Rivers would be knocked out by midseason. Rivers most likely destination is Indianapolis. He moved to the Panhandle to be near his family in Alabama. Some of you cretins believe Destin/Ft. Walton Beach is across the street from RayJay.
January 21st, 2020 at 7:25 am
Please no 38 year old wash up. I would rather take my chances on a young Jameis. This move would not excite the fan base I can promise you that. Plus anyone see Rivers playoff numbers in 13+ years? He’s also played with a solid defense and had a running game and still couldn’t get it done. What makes you think he would here? Bring back Winston please. Next.
January 21st, 2020 at 7:47 am
Brady
January 21st, 2020 at 8:02 am
We replaced Dilfer with an older less accomplished vet and that worked out fine. Brad Johnson wasn’t known for having a hot arm either….but he was effective because he understood how to manage the game.
January 21st, 2020 at 8:12 am
Stan: – More Winston propaganda. Goebbels is proud dude. Only a Winston knob gobbler would use a poll with 700 people and claim that is a “vast majority” where the participants are Plan followers on Twitter. Okie dokie.
Knob gobbling at its finest.
Don’t believe their lies.
January 21st, 2020 at 8:34 am
I can’t wait until this “Decision JayMiss” BS is over.
January 21st, 2020 at 8:35 am
bobby m
i agree….
GO BUCS!!!!!
January 21st, 2020 at 8:48 am
Joe, you know how the media works. The moment one member of the media makes a claim, true or untrue, the rest follow with “I’m hearing” or “Sources say”.
This is all on Cornel trying to make a guess when he heard Rivers was moving to Florida. Pure speculation.
January 21st, 2020 at 8:51 am
Bobby M, Brad Johnson was older, but not ancient.
Philip Rivers is so old his armpits have cobwebs.
January 21st, 2020 at 8:53 am
Rivers would get sacked 80 times behind this o line lol
January 21st, 2020 at 8:57 am
Signing a 38 year old bridge QB makes no sense. That is not a move a solid GM would make. The time to win is now. Bringing in an outsider guarantees an adjustment period that likely results in several losses from which we cannot recover. The problem will be even worse if we do not greatly improve our running game. The question is whether we stand a better chance of winning with a year 2 Jameis, or a year one Rivers. Drafting a “raw” QB like Eason in the first or second round is equally nonsensical. Historically, that never works.
January 21st, 2020 at 9:15 am
The claims that Winston has not changed in 5 years are completely false claims.
For example, last year all his supporters had to grasp onto were his passing yards. His detractors meanwhile said he could not pass deep, he could not score in the redzone, etc.
This year, Winston:
• Became part of a very small group of QBs who have passed for over 5,000 yards. IMPROVEMENT
• Was one of the best in Red Zone scoring
• Was one of the best in deep passing
• Scored more touchdowns than previously
Detractors once claimed good QBs make his WRs look better. Winston did this with Miller and Periman.
Winston had a league high in interceptions, yes, but that is the ONLY area he did not improve in.The
And let’s not forget Bruce Arians method of teaching. He kept telling Winston to keep going deep and to move on from the picks. This helped Winston get better at deep passing and shaking things off.
Did Winston have a 6 pick game? 5 pick game? No.
The picks he did throw are all on tape. Arians can use this tape of Winston playing in his offense to teach Winston how to avoid picks, read defenses better and not lead with his eyes.
Winston did get better this year, and he will be much, much improved in 2020 if we keep him.
We can afford to franchise him AND re-sign our defensive plays. Do it.
January 21st, 2020 at 9:26 am
I dont know how many of you watched Rivers this year but he was not good and he’s only getting older. This is with a great running and pass catching game by his two elite running backs. Doesn’t seem like he has the necessary zip on the ball for Arians offense. Much rather give Jameis one more shot.
January 21st, 2020 at 9:30 am
rivers wont get sacked a ton because he would get rid of the ball alot faster than JW…..
a lot of JWs sacks came because he held onto the ball for too long….o-line aint as bad as most think….
GO BUCS!!!!!
January 21st, 2020 at 9:41 am
Did Winston have a 6 pick game? 5 pick game? No.
uh….YES!!!!!!!…..TB vs CAR in London….5INTS!!!!!!
2GAMES he threw 3 INTs(san fran, indy)
2GAMES he threw 4 INTs(no, hou)
1GAME he threw 5 INTs(CAR in london)
GO BUCS!!!!!
January 21st, 2020 at 9:52 am
Joe, do you think the Glazers could afford to fly Rivers home anytime he wants with their private helicopter?
January 21st, 2020 at 10:08 am
Private plane. 1-2 hour flight. He could do it.
January 21st, 2020 at 10:31 am
I think Rivers is either going to retire or sign a 1-2 yr deal, that deal will be to a FL team. He insists on living near his family, he will commute 2-3 hours to do so (look at this year).
Mia – Most likely will hold on to Fitz and will be drafting QB in the 1st round.
Jax – Most likely looking to dump/trade Foles and his money going to start the Legend and will look for a Vet to back-up. (I don’t think Rivers wants to be a backup, but you never know)
TB – JW is wanting top dollar has Drew R. as his agent, so negotiations will be for top $$. The question is if the team is built to pay a QB top money and be competitive. (No) So the Bucs SHOULD, look to draft a QB 1st-2nd round depending who falls and where and at what cost they can move. This years draft is loaded with QBs. Also this year is loaded with FA QBs, so they should look for a guy who wants a 2-3 yr deal at about 22/yr.
Just some names that fit that bill (not saying they should go after)
Flacco – great deep ball thrower, has lead playoff teams. (throws Ints)
Dalton – Above avg QB, excels with good WRs (TB has 2)
Teddy – Rising star in MN before injury, hungry to prove himself.
Rivers – 8 time Pro-Bowl QB, plays best with a strong running game.
That’s 4 FA options that will save $$ to allow the Bucs to resign more of their Def front 7, also could be good bridge players.
January 21st, 2020 at 11:17 am
Rivers moving to Florida means nothing. Nobody moves their family to a state before inking a deal with a team in that state. He’s moved here because he knows he’s done in Cali and he has a home that just happens to be in Florida.
That’s it. Move on.
January 21st, 2020 at 11:18 am
@Defense rules and catcard202
Excellent points! Completely agree.
January 21st, 2020 at 11:19 am
Man some posters are just ignorant. You all really want to sign a qb that is essentially an older slower version of Jameis? You cant make up stupidity like this. But that is bucs fans for ya.
January 21st, 2020 at 12:23 pm
Hmm but if he lives in Florida, and his salary gets paid by a Florida team, then no state income tax correct?
January 21st, 2020 at 12:27 pm
“That would be like living in Atlanta and driving to One Buc Palace and back each day. You’d have to be a mental patient to do that.”
——- This is not relevant. He lived in San Diego and played in LA for the last two seasons. The move to FL is more of a “get on the same coast as my family” move.
January 21st, 2020 at 12:28 pm
Hmm but if he lives in Florida, and his salary gets paid by a Florida team, then no state income tax correct?
——–
If the games are played in Florida. Applicable state and city taxes apply to road games. For instance, if the Bucs play in Philly, players pay Pennsylvania state tax and Philadelphia city tax for that game.
January 21st, 2020 at 12:57 pm
The only viable QB I see out there is Bridgewater, and I can’t see the Saints letting him walk, absent salary cap considerations. Mebbe Foles, if we could determine exactly WHAT scenario the guy can flourish in
January 21st, 2020 at 2:57 pm
Sure Brad Johnson was effective. I mean geez when your HOF DT tells you just get 17 pts how many risks do you need to take? SMH 🤦♂️
In 2003 he went 7-9 with 21 picks. What went so wrong?
January 21st, 2020 at 3:38 pm
Bobby M. Says:
January 21st, 2020 at 8:02 am
We replaced Dilfer with an older less accomplished vet and that worked out fine. Brad Johnson wasn’t known for having a hot arm either….but he was effective because he understood how to manage the game.
^^^This right here.
January 21st, 2020 at 4:46 pm
Do it
January 21st, 2020 at 5:40 pm
At least joe will have a real pro bowler to call pro bowler in Rivers…..
2006
2009
2010
2011
2013
2016
2017
2018
The biz side of me says this could be the Bucs leaking Rivers info to make Winston come to the alter for alot less money than his outlandish $30M first offer. Its all about the NFL player market and I dont see anyone paying Winston $30M per year…he simply is not consistent enough and didnt win enough games to warrant that kind of money. He belongs in that $21-25M group. I would personally put performance markers in the deal on the INT issue like we will pay you $19-20M base salary with extra $5-7M if less than 16 INTs (one per game).